Poached pears in tart cherry juice make for a festive and elegant dessert that is as nutritious as it is flavorful. As the pears simmer, they absorb the bright, tangy notes of the cherry juice while becoming tender and aromatic. In season during the winter months, pears are a good source of fiber, providing about 4 grams per fruit, and pair beautifully with crunchy walnuts for added texture and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a comforting and colorful holiday treat. This dish offers a simple way to enjoy the sweetness of the season while keeping balance in mind. Take time to eat slowly, savor each bite, and enjoy the company of family, friends and favorite holiday foods.
Ingredients
4-6 cups tart cherry juice, enough to cover pear halves
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1 orange, zested
2 large pears, Bartlett or Anjou, cored and cut in half
½ cup raspberry preserves
½ cup walnut pieces
Vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
Method of Preparation
1. In a deep saucepan or pot, make the poaching liquid by combing the cherry juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Bring to boil and reduce heat to simmer.
2. Add the pears and add more juice if necessary to fully submerge the pears.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes or until fork tender.
4. Turn off the heat and let pears cool in the poaching liquid. Once cooled, they can be served or saved in the refrigerator in the poaching liquid.
5. When ready to serve, remove pears from the liquid and place on serving plate. Warm the raspberry preserves with ½ cup poaching liquid and drizzle over
This recipe was created in partnership with CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and adapted from Food Network.
Do you want to learn to cook healthier for yourself and your family? Check out the latest CU AHWC Cooking Series offerings by clicking here.
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